The following text is adapted from a 2019 research methodology handbook. Dr. Sarah Martinez had spent years conducting quantitative studies...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
The following text is adapted from a 2019 research methodology handbook. Dr. Sarah Martinez had spent years conducting quantitative studies using statistical analysis and controlled experiments. When she began incorporating ethnographic methods into her work, the contrast between numerical precision and narrative interpretation created an entirely new perspective on her field. She found herself constantly translating between the structured world of data tables and the fluid realm of human stories, each methodology revealing aspects that the other had left invisible. The transition required her to develop new ways of seeing that bridged both analytical traditions.
Which choice best describes the main purpose of the text?
To highlight Dr. Martinez's preference for ethnographic methods over traditional quantitative approaches in academic research
To convey a researcher's experience of integrating different methodological approaches and developing new analytical perspectives
To establish Dr. Martinez's expertise in statistical analysis before describing her shift toward exclusively narrative interpretation
To emphasize the researcher's surprise at discovering the fundamental incompatibility between quantitative and qualitative methods
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Dr. Sarah Martinez had spent years conducting quantitative studies using statistical analysis and controlled experiments." |
|
| "When she began incorporating ethnographic methods into her work, the contrast between numerical precision and narrative interpretation created an entirely new perspective on her field." |
|
| "She found herself constantly translating between the structured world of data tables and the fluid realm of human stories, each methodology revealing aspects that the other had left invisible." |
|
| "The transition required her to develop new ways of seeing that bridged both analytical traditions." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The passage describes how Dr. Martinez's experience of integrating quantitative and ethnographic research methods led her to develop new analytical perspectives that bridged both traditions.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The main purpose of the entire text
What type of answer do we need? The overarching goal or function the passage serves
Any limiting keywords? "Main purpose" tells us we need the central, primary function, not a secondary detail
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The correct answer should capture that this passage is fundamentally about someone's research experience—specifically how Martinez moved from one type of methodology to integrating multiple approaches
- It should reflect that the passage emphasizes the transformative nature of this experience and how it led to new analytical perspectives
To highlight Dr. Martinez's preference for ethnographic methods over traditional quantitative approaches in academic research
✗ Incorrect
- Claims the passage highlights Martinez's "preference" for ethnographic over quantitative methods
- The passage never suggests she prefers one over the other—it emphasizes integration and bridging
To convey a researcher's experience of integrating different methodological approaches and developing new analytical perspectives
✓ Correct
- Accurately captures that this is about a researcher's experience of integrating different approaches
- Matches our analysis that the passage focuses on how this integration led to "developing new analytical perspectives"
To establish Dr. Martinez's expertise in statistical analysis before describing her shift toward exclusively narrative interpretation
✗ Incorrect
- Claims Martinez shifted toward "exclusively narrative interpretation"
- The passage emphasizes bridging and translating between both approaches, not abandoning quantitative methods
To emphasize the researcher's surprise at discovering the fundamental incompatibility between quantitative and qualitative methods
✗ Incorrect
- Suggests Martinez discovered the methods were "fundamentally incompatible"
- The passage actually describes how she successfully bridged both traditions and developed new ways of seeing